Are you interested in straightening your teeth, but not looking forward to having a mouth full of metal brackets? Consider talking to a cosmetic dentist in the Leander area who offers Invisalign treatment. Instead of using metal brackets and wires to coax the teeth back into their proper positions, Invisalign involves the application of clear plastic aligners. These aligners are custom-made for each patient from the impressions sent in by the cosmetic dentist. Dental patients often prefer Invisalign not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because it’s a highly convenient choice. Since the aligners are removable, it’s easy to maintain good oral hygiene and there are no dietary restrictions.

Gaps

When you consult your cosmetic dentist about whether Invisalign is right for you, he or she will need to evaluate the type of malocclusion you have. Invisalign is capable of treating a range of malocclusion issues, including excessive gaping between teeth. Gaping problems can develop when the jawbone grows atypically or when adjacent teeth shift after a tooth extraction.

Crowding

Some people have the opposite problem-overly crowded teeth. Or, they may have excessive gaps between some teeth with overly crowded teeth in other areas. Like gaping, crowding can encourage the buildup of plaque and tartar. In turn, this can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, Invisalign can help you improve your oral health.

Open Bite

If you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, speech impairment, or poor biting or chewing abilities, then you may have an open bite. This is a severe type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper and lower jaws fail to meet. For example, your upper and lower molars may make contact when you close your jaws, but the front teeth may not.

Underbite

Another type of malocclusion that Invisalign can treat is an under-bite. Normally, the top front teeth should rest just slightly forward of the bottom front teeth. If your dentist diagnoses you with an under-bite, it means that when your jaws are closed, your lower front teeth protrude forward of the upper front teeth. Like an open bite, an under-bite can contribute to more serious jaw joint problems. Invisalign aligners are capable of fixing these and other orthodontic problems.

Family dentists in the Leander area may all offer similar services, but each dental practice is unique. The right family dentist can make a significant difference for your family’s wellness. Ideally, you should find a family dentist who is clearly passionate about what he or she does, who can immediately put the youngest of patients at ease in the dentist’s chair, and who is dedicated to providing the best possible care.

Credentials and Experience

In addition to the approach the dentist takes to providing care, it’s necessary to consider his or her credentials and experience. All dentists will have graduated from dental school and obtained the appropriate licensing. However, truly dedicated dentists will have gone above and beyond these minimum requirements. Consider checking whether your family dentist has held a teaching position, for instance, or obtained advanced certification.

Dental Services

Many families prefer to choose a dentist who offers a complete menu of dental services. In the event that extensive dental work is needed, such as restorations, these procedures can be performed in the same office. Some examples of general dentistry services that your dentist should offer include oral cancer screenings, teeth examinations and cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and night guards. Restorative services include the placement of crowns, bridges, and veneers. You might also consider choosing a dentist who offers cosmetic services such as teeth whitening and Invisalign.

Dental Technology

Another factor to consider when looking for a local dentist is the dental technology available in the office. Many people experience minor dental anxiety when it’s time for a check-up, cleaning, or more extensive dental care. If this describes you or a family member, you can check whether the dentist offers conscious sedation with nitrous oxide. Your dentist may have even invested in advanced technology such as PerioLase, which protects your mouth from bacteria during oral surgery. Another example of sophisticated dental technology is Diagnodent, which allows the dentist to evaluate the mouth for invisible, subsurface tooth decay. Choosing a dentist who invests in the latest technology is beneficial for your oral health and it reflects your dentist’s commitment to his or her patients.

Dr. Jackeline Argandona has more than 23 years of experience teaching and practicing dentistry. As a family dentist serving Leander, her private practice, Live Oak Family Dental Care, provides patients with exceptional service using state-of-the-art technology.

Dr. Argandona received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Cayetano University in Lima, Peru. She completed Advanced Graduate Certificate degrees at the University of Connecticut Health Center and the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, where she held a General Dentistry Clinical Professor position for ten years. Dr. Argandona is currently a member of the fundraiser gala committee for Oral Health America, a non-profit dental organization that provides dental care for underserved populations in the United States.

At Live Oak Family Dental Care,

Dr. Argandona provides her patients with decades of professional experience and exceptional family-oriented dental services. We offer cleanings and examinations, as well as advanced treatments such as dental implants, teeth whitening, dental crowns, and orthodontics.

Having a bright, shining smile is something many people desire, and teeth whitening treatments are one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry. If you are interested in teeth whitening near Leander, you may be wondering how to keep your smile stain-free after whitening. By adopting a few lifestyle habits, you can help keep your teeth bright after whitening treatment.

Aftercare

Teeth whitening treatments can sometimes leave your teeth feeling sensitive. Luckily, certain toothpastes are formulated to reduce pain in your teeth, and can help with this sensitivity. Look for toothpastes containing potassium nitrate, or that are recommended for sensitive teeth. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity after whitening, avoid further treatments for a while to prevent exacerbating this condition.

Daily Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep your newly-whitened teeth nice and bright is to avoid foods and drinks that may have discolored them originally, such as red wine, tea, and coffee. If you do decide to consume drinks that can stain your teeth, rinsing your mouth with water afterward can reduce their coloring effects, and using a straw to drink will limit the exposure the front of your teeth have to them. Eliminating tobacco use and keeping toothpaste and a toothbrush with you during the day to clean your teeth after eating and drinking can also help you keep your teeth white.

Long-Term Care

Regular dentist visits are the best way to keep your mouth and teeth healthy, and will also help you maintain a brighter smile. Bi-annual check-ups and regular teeth cleaning appointments give your family dentist or dental hygienist the opportunity to polish away stains that may develop on your teeth, helping to avoid the need for additional whitening treatments. Proper dental hygiene and limiting your consumption of staining foods isn’t always enough, however, to keep your teeth as white as you might like over time. Ask your dentist about whitening toothpastes and at-home whitening kits to maintain your bright smile.

For people interested in teeth whitening and dental care in Leander, this video can offer insight about one of the most important steps in a healthy oral care routine. Watch this video to learn about what toothpaste is made of and how it can help your teeth.

The most important active ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride’s purpose is to strengthen the enamel on your teeth and to prevent decay. All toothpastes labeled with the seal of the American Dental Association contain fluoride, and will never contain ingredients that promote tooth decay, such as sugar. Brush your teeth twice per day to prevent the build-up of plaque, which can only be removed through teeth cleaning at your family dentist.

A bright and beautiful smile can give you more confidence and improve overall wellness. If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist in Leander can evaluate your mouth to determine what aesthetic improvements can be made. Unlike traditional dentistry, which focuses on the health and functionality of your mouth and teeth, cosmetic dentistry treatments are used to improve the look of your smile.

Teeth Whitening

Possibly the most common type of cosmetic treatment for teeth, whitening is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve the look of your smile. Over time, exposure to dark-colored foods and drinks, such as coffee and tea, as well as tobacco, can discolor the enamel of your teeth. Whitening treatments remove stains from the enamel to restore it to its original brightness. Teeth whitening can be done by your dentist, or at home with over-the-counter kits or professionally dispensed treatments.

Dental Implants

When a person loses a tooth, it leaves a visible gap in the smile and a hole where the root of the tooth once fit. Dental implants are a form of prosthetic dentistry that places an artificial tooth root in place of the original. By filling this hole in the jaw, it prevents future bone reabsorption, which occurs when an area of bone is not being used by the body. In the case of missing teeth, bone reabsorption can result in loss of bone structure in the face. Once the dental implant is in place, a crown can be attached, filling the gap in your smile.

Smile Makeovers

For people looking for a dramatic improvement in the appearance of their smile, their dentist may recommend a smile makeover. This treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment of your mouth to determine which aesthetic improvements would be required to achieve the overall look that you want. Often, one or more cosmetic procedures will be recommended. Typical treatments include dental implants, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and gingival sculpting.